What a coincidence . . . about 3 nights back I was reading the 1988 November issue of RailroadModelCraftsman, and finally made it to the reviews section and saw the write-up for "Steam frieght set: G scale" by Bill Schaumburg !

A great intro article primarily for the Bachmann product and also for G scale !

I've heard of this set, but other than that have never seen it, or the details of the set, but stumbling across both the 'review' and now this thread this a.m., I guess I know now as much about it as possible without actually seeing it or even tinkering on it in person lol

re: G scale Big Hauler R/C battery powered. These postings appear to be several years old so hope this is still relevant? We just inherited a AT&SF 7 Big Hauler 4-6-0 with a B&O flat, Rio Grande gon and of course a ATSF bobber caboose. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction to install batteries in the boiler. After being an HO scale modeler for 50 years this Big Hauler had me stumped. That isn't the only thing - DCC has me stumped too. I'll second the motion made by Sean for Bachmann to reprint the R/C version of their Big Hauler. Normally I would not have kept the G Scale but the battery Big Hauler might be perfect for or grandson who might be ready soon to graduate from his Thomas Train set. Steve Rippeteau

Thank you for posting the comic book owners manual. It still did not fully explain the access into the battery box/Boiler and firebox. It is simple for kids but no detailed information. At least the one panel showing the battery access thru the backhead confirmed what I thought, but could not figure out. The backhead cover looked like it was a part of the casting. I finally found a crack that could be sliced open with an Exacto and pry it open.

I should have waited to see this manual because I ended up breaking the two retaining tabs from the inside of the backhead battery box cover. It looked like they had been broken off before and re-glued. So I was able to repair the broken tabs. Once I repaired my mistake, the backhead cover takes a firm and steady force to carefully push inward on the tab at the bottom under the firebox door. Then at the same time lift straight up on the backhead. It was very stiff and doubt a child could change the batteries.

The engine, sound and remote work fine so will go ahead and make the repairs to the tender. We'll find out later if this is worth the effort for a toy for our grandson. So thank you for your help!Steve Rippeteau